Senate Bill 57 - Signed Into Law!
“When My Pen Touches This Paper, it Will be Law!”  June 3^rd, 2008 
Governor Bill Ritter turned to 17 year-old Sara DesGeorges, and spoke these words to her on a platform today during a bill signing ceremony at Children’s Hospital. Sara responded with her typical teenage style and said, “cool!"  AGBell member, 10 tear-old Landon Squibbs asked the governor, “Who gets the pens?”  Governor Ritter replied, “The sponsors of the bill, Senator Kester and Representative Rosemary Marshall, do.” Thus Senate Bill 57 was signed and is now law in Colorado. Senate Bill 57 requires insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children up to age 18.  The law requires that private insurance companies cover children's hearing aids from birth to age 18 every 5 years will take affect on JANUARY 1, 2009. Details in the bill describe exceptions, including if a child’s hearing loss changes. The Coalition will be meeting later this summer to create a document helping families and those supporting them about how to take advantage of the new law.

Senate Bill 57 was passed successfully through the House and Senate thanks to the support of the bill sponsors and a cast of supporters throughout the state including parents, professionals, agencies, nonprofit groups, and hospitals. Children’s Hospital arranged an article in the Denver Post featuring the Las Animas family that inspired Senator Kester to support this issue. Mom spoke briefly at the bill signing and shared the impact that this bill would have on their family because three of their children wear hearing aids. Throughout this legislative session, we’ve had the opportunity to give testimony in both houses, as well as “catching legislators” on breaks with a two-minute appeal for their vote. Children presented legislators with stuffed otters wearing hearing aids donated by Oticon Pediatrics. Children had their first experience in the legislative process as they explained the importance of SB57 for their families. Austin Galoob was interviewed on Channel 9 News and was eloquent, poised and convincing.  Another highlight of the bill’s story came with the unexpected testimony of Richard Baldwin, the three year-old son of Robert and Katherine Baldwin. Richard testified as only a three year old could, about how he liked his hearing aids. He added additional comments about how he liked to jump on his trampoline, and requested a Transformer for his birthday. Children with a hearing loss were the best advocates.

The work of the Coalition for Children’s hearing was successful because of the large number of groups who worked together in this effort.  A HUGE thank you to all the organizations and families who gave generously of their time, money, and expertise. Mary Bartholomew, AGBell, and Janet DesGeorges, Hands & Voices co-chaired the Coalition.  Regina Squibbs, Carolyn Wolfrum, Julie McCloskey, Liesel Thomas, Marcia Taber, Sara Kennedy, Dinah Beams, Vickie Thomson, and Julie Prinster also served on the Coalition with Dr. Sandy Gabbard from the Marion Downs Center.  Members from Colorado AG Bell, Hands & Voices, Colorado Academy of Audiology, The Children’s Hospital and the Advocacy Network, Marion Downs Hearing Center, University Hospital, Colorado Association of the Deaf, Colorado Sertoma Clubs, the H.E.A.R. Project, The Listen Foundation, The American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter, as well as our lobbyist who guided us through the process, Charlie Hebeler. Cliff Moers, Director Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing attended all the hearings and the signing of the bill. Individuals do make a difference, but we make a greater impact when we work together!